New Scottish Cunningham Armiger

**ThistleDown** · 5th March 11, 12:22 PM

Congratulations, Alex. Another thing to celebrate in Victoria later in the month.

Rex

**Macman** · 5th March 11, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by ThistleDown

Congratulations, Alex. Another thing to celebrate in Victoria later in the month.

Rex

Absolutely! Congratulations, Alex!

**davidlpope** · 5th March 11, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by xman

Just to let everyone know, the letter came with a description of the arms. There would be as yet, no pics to be had until Alex has an artist interpret the words.

Often the Letters Patent include the painted arms...

Congratulations, Alex.

**Downunder Kilt** · 5th March 11, 02:15 PM

Congratulations and well done Alex. Thankyou for sharing the good news

**MacCathmhaoil** · 5th March 11, 02:59 PM

Congratulations! I can't wait to see the image of your Arm's when completed.

**JSFMACLJR** · 5th March 11, 03:44 PM

Congratulations, Alex!

**beloitpiper** · 5th March 11, 07:20 PM

Congratulations! I can't wait to see it!

**xman** · 5th March 11, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by Standard

What is the translation of your Motto?

If I may, it appears to be one of Justinian the Great's three legal precepts “to not harm another”

Originally Posted by davidlpope

Often the Letters Patent include the painted arms...

Ooo, well of this I was unaware. If so then let's see it, Alex!

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 5th March 11, 09:17 PM

Once the client and the heraldic authority (in this instance the Lord Lyon) have agreed on the design of the arms a Warrant may issued to the client. Warrants are a precis of the text of the letters patent and include the blazon of the arms; rarely do they have an exemplification of the arms (ie: a coloured picture of the shield, etc.). They authorize the client to begin use of the arms thereon described as and from the date of the warrant.

A copy of the text of the full letters patent, including the blazon, is then sent to the herald painter who will eventually prepare the actual letters patent. This process can take from a few weeks to nearly a year depending upon the work load of the herald painter, as well as the complexity of the letters patent. Once the Herald Painter begins work, hand lettering and a simple exemplification of the arms takes about 2-3 weeks; if fancy borders and other artwork has been requested, the time (and cost!) becomes greater.

When the letters patent do arrive it is a cause for celebration, popping a few corks, and deciding which wall will display the document. I'm sure Alex is savouring the moment, as indeed he should!